5 Prayers to Prepare Our Hearts for Christmas

By Krista Scott, VP of Member Services

Christmas often arrives before we feel ready. Between shopping, decorating, gatherings, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to forget to prepare our hearts.

This year, let’s slow down and notice what God is already doing. Here are five prayers to help us prepare for Christmas.

1. A Prayer to Slow Down

Lord, please slow me down. Help me resist the pressure to make everything perfect. Teach me to be still and present with You and the people I love. Help me notice the simple gifts of this season—the laughter, the lights, the music, and the quiet moments. When my mind races ahead, bring me back to the moment You’ve given me and let me rejoice in it! Amen.

2. A Prayer of Gratitude

Father, open my eyes to the blessings I sometimes overlook. Thank You for the people who love me, the prayers You’ve answered, the lessons You’ve taught me, and the ways You’ve helped me grow. Give me a grateful heart, even when life feels uncertain. Let gratitude be louder than comparison and contentment stronger than the desire for more. Amen.

3. A Prayer for Rest

Lord, remind me that I am allowed to rest. During this busy season, help me care for my body, mind, and spirit. Show me when I need to say no and give me permission to rest without guilt. Help me remember Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Amen.

4. A Prayer for Relationships

God, soften my heart toward those who have hurt me—and those I may have hurt. Give me courage to apologize, grace to forgive, and wisdom to know when reconciliation is possible. Help me release what I cannot fix into Your hands, and keep bitterness from taking root in my heart. Amen.

5. A Prayer to Trust God’s Will

Father, I surrender my plans to You. Help me trust You with my family, relationships, future, and hopes for the year ahead. Open the doors that are right for me and redirect me when necessary. Give me the courage to pray, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV). Make room in my heart for whatever You want to do next. Amen.

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be sacred. Preparing our hearts may mean doing a little less, noticing a little more, offering forgiveness, or simply sitting quietly with God.

The greatest gift has already been given: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).

May we slow down long enough to receive Him.

Which of these five prayers speaks most to your heart this Christmas? Is God calling you to slow down, practice gratitude, make time for rest, mend a relationship, or trust Him with something you’ve been holding onto? Share with us in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you and encourage one another this Christmas season.